# 20 The Great Tribulation / Day's of Distress? Mt 24:21 & Mark 13:19 & Joel 2:3.

Revelation 7:9- 12. States; - “Look! A great crowd, which no man was able to number, out of all nations and tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, dressed in white robes; and there were palm branches in their hands. And they kept crying with a loud voice, saying; 'Salvation we owe to our God, who is seated on his throne, and to the Lamb'. And all the Angels were standing around the throne and the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell upon their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying: “Amen! The blessing and the glory and the wisdom and the thanksgiving and the honour and the power and the strength be to our God forever and ever. Amen.”

This future scene was penned by John, the one loved by the Lord more than 1900 years ago. It is yet future, as of this day, but lays out the events many alive today will live through.

Some elements on earth, some in heaven.

In verse 13 one of “the Elders” asks “who are the ones in white robes and where did they come from?” Notice he says where, Did, not, “DO, they come from”? And in verse 9 it states that “no man WAS able to number”, past tense. John was shown events even beyond our day. In verse 14 we are told that “These are the ones that come out of the great tribulation”. The ones who “wash their robes and made them white in the blood of the lamb”.

We will consider their cleansing later. But first, what might this “Great Tribulation” be?

The cross reference in my Bible for the word Tribulation, takes us to Matthew 24: 21 and Mark 13: 19. What do these tell us? In verse 3 of chapter 24 we are given the Lord Jesus’ reply to a question raised by his disciples while his disciples were showing him the buildings and great stones of the temple in Jerusalem, the then centre of pure worship. After explaining that “Not a stone will be left upon a stone”. They asked;

1 “When will these things be”? 2 “What will be the sign of your presence”? and 3 “The sign of the conclusion of the system of things”? The Lord went on to describe events, attitudes and threats that would be a very real issue for those in that day, leading to Jerusalem destruction. And down through the centuries, and in particular, the build up to the end of this system of things.

Jesus has been in “his presence”, since 1914, enthroned in heaven at God’s "right hand", “till he places his enemies at his feet”, as prophesied by Daniel chapter 4. Since that year, time and world events have marched on toward his return as king on earth and over man’s affairs.

For a more detailed explanation see the publication, You Can Live Forever In Paradise On Earth, Chapter 16 God's Government Begins It's Rule.

His prophecy regarding these momentous events is continued through chapter 24 to the end of chapter 25: 46 in Matthew’s account. Mt 24;21 says, “for there WILL be a Great Tribulation such as has not occurred since the WORLDS BEGINNING until now, no, nor will occur again”. Notice he said “Will” take place, and “since the Worlds beginning”. These things were to be certain. The world equals the establishment of human habitation and society. So, the Great Tribulation must be something unique to mankind’s experience.

Jesus touched on things like persecution, famine, war, pestilence, natural disaster, lawlessness etc, as parts of the sign of his presence and the conclusion of this system of things.

So, it, "the Great Tribulation", logically must be something different and in addition to these signs and other pressures on human life and in particular, those who were to survive the great tribulation as described at revelation Ch 7.

Leading up to and in conjunction with the Great Tribulation Let’s consider some of these.

War has been carried on in much of mans experience. Similarly, disease and natural disasters have ravaged man throughout the ages. And as the Word of God says, “Man has dominated man to his injury”, and “it does not belong to man who is walking to direct his own step”. And “time and unforeseen occurrence befalls us all”. Inevitably greed and power have long affected life on earth.

The other elements have similarly been fulfilled throughout mans experience, but more noticeably, and proven since 1914. All individually, part of the “signs” though, all together, make up a composite sign.

ALL, together, these essential components must occur during the same time period, like a fingerprint.

World events and life in general have made it clear that man has been living in a time period such as described by Jesus, Daniel other prophets and in particular Jehovah God.

Time has also proved, without any question, that man has no real ability to self-govern effectively. Which makes abundantly clear, the importance and desperate need for a saviour?

We are NOW on the doorstep of change, however, this doesn’t really shine a light on just what this, unique, "Great Tribulation" is, that has been uniquely witnessed in this day.

Identifying the Great Tribulation

If we look at the parallel account in the book of Mark, we see another couple of cross references Daniel 12; 1, Joel 2:2.

Similarly to the account in Revelation, in Daniel’s account, a saviour comes to mankind’s aid, people are saved by God and the Lamb, Jehovah and Christ Jesus.

This time a name is given, it identifies one who “stands up” to help. Michael, who is this?

As discussed in another section; none other than Jesus himself. Prior to being born on earth as a baby he was "The Arch Angel", "Michael". His name means “who is like God”.

So also, in parallel with his prophecy regarding his presence, in Matthew and Mark, this is also taking place at the time of the end.

In Daniel’s account it mentions a “time of distress that has not occurred” which is the link to the reference of a "great tribulation", yet again, this indicates something unique. But this doesn’t clarify what this Tribulation is.

Clarification

Joel 2:2 says, “there is a people numerous and mighty; one like it has not been made to exist from the indefinite past….” Here is something to hone in on. Numerous people.

It is with these, that the true God has an issue. And on account of their actions for verse 1 &2 add “the day of Jehovah” has to “spread out upon the mountains”.

Reading on in Jo2;3, we read that “Ahead of it a fire has devoured, and behind it a flame consumes. Like the garden of Eden, the land is ahead of it, but behind is a desolate wilderness, and there has also proved to be nothing thereof escaping”.

Notice how God promises “Eden” ahead, or after this "day of Jehovah". What is Eden?

Eden was the paradisiacal home that was pre-prepared for the first man. He, Adam, was told “fill the earth and subdue it. Have in subjection the fish of the seas, the flying creatures and everything that is on it”. Where is that beautiful garden that was to be the home of all mankind?

Adam was supposed to spread the boundaries of the garden, along with his descendant’s earth wide, a paradise for all.

Instead, what have we got as our home? According to this scripture, if Jehovah does not step in, intervene, desolation and destruction will escalate and no help for the life on Earth will result.

The scriptures indicate that Jehovah still intends on keeping our Earth as our home, “He did not form it simply for nothing, but even to be inhabited” also “the Earth WILL stand to time indefinite”.

The area of our planet that I live in was once an untouched paradise. For many years, nomadic peoples lived here, with very little impact on the environment around them.

Then came industrialism and commerce!

Great forests of Giant trees once house a myriad of fascinating creatures, mammals, birds. Till the majority of the lands were “acquired” by a new people. They, continuing in the paths of their ancestors and found the trees and wildlife to be a means of making money, the animals, food.

Before long, these majestic trees, disappeared, helping build cities of enormous size, all over the globe, to house “A people numerous and mighty”.

Peoples of this day were no longer encouraged to live in villages, towns, communities.

Instead, penned in multi-story buildings like Doves in their Dove Cotes, they and we, have become a planet overflowing with consumers.

No longer do people live with the land, they devour it, and, line the pockets of wealthy ones. Just the way the Governments want it. The older generations who spread this thinking world wide, these “innovators” have died. Their money has not given them salvation or peace or left anything resembling a paradise.

Just doing their job?

The result, the newer generation keeps on taking and not putting back.

Vast areas of many lands, once covers in grand forests, teaming with life, has been cleared.

Deserts and unfertile soils and salty earth has been left in their dust.

Waterways are not much more than sewers and the constant death to many species of animal’s, fish, birds and countless insects, gone, extinct in many cases. Why?

Progress they called it. Really it was just raping the environment for the Earth’s bounty. When in reality, gold is just metal, and diamonds are only rocks.

We, the peoples and governments of Earth, did not fulfil our commission to expand the borders of Eden to create a beautiful home for us and for our children. We did not care for the abundant life on our home, the birds, the fish of the sea, or any life on this planet, to God’s glory. Did we?

I once had a conversation with an elderly gentleman. Possibly born in the late 1800s. he told of a time, when he was a boy. He spoke of the “great cedar trees” that filled the landscape.

And the day the town folk through a party at the base of the last giant Western Red Cedar tree, before, yes, you guessed it, cutting it down.

He also described what the wildlife was like. “So many native pigeons”, “they would blacken the sky, there were so many”. “What happened to them”? I asked, “we ate them”. They no longer had roosts. There homes, their habitat shrunken. Easy pickings, they shot 1000s. There are a few of these birds around today, not many, one here and there, no flocks, in the mountains nearby, nothing like he described. I wonder if these solitary birds feel like something is missing?

Joel 1: 15-20 delves a little deeper into physical aspects of this time. People’s hearts no longer find as much joy, produce is affected by the elements and the spiritual condition of ones have been strained. What has caused this situation? A loss of hope. Prior to the year 1914 once industrialism took hold and capitalism followed. Peoples hope was in God and Jesus to lift man out of their plight. Products of ease began to appear, life had a lustre of hope, things could only improve, not from God’s Promises but from mans. Invention and education were within reach for many. While our brothers in many lands struggle to feed their children, and our sisters watched as their children died, a major imbalance. A new beginning for the coming generations, however, as was prophesied by the Lord Jesus, things were to change! The sign he gave was indicating a shift in life, that’s what we got.

As was expected by the Bible Students, change would come around October 1914. Many mistakenly thought they would be going to heaven in the “Rapture”, but that wasn’t to be. However, the sign kicked off in a large way, at the expected time of change. W.W.1. soon followed by persecution of minorities, disease, the great depression and increased fatalities from natural disaster etc.

But what of this new era of invention, hope from man’s hand? War machines and invention multiplied, steam gave way to electricity, horse drawn wagons gave way to fossil fuel driven buggies, air travel soon followed, all great advancements. Hunger for innovation and profit further drove man’s desire for greed and power. And consumers gobbled it all up.

Leaders Fall Short

As was also foretold in God’s word, the rulers of today are “partly strong like iron”, but also ineffectual due to being “partly of moulded clay”. So, governments have benefited from this expansion but have been shackled, not able to govern effectively to keep real control of earths affairs. They have thoroughly proved to be impotent. And the Church joined them in business and politics and others followed suit. We have all, through the generations, been guilty, we have all had our share in the impact to life on earth. Although it’s not our fault that "this system of things" exists, nevertheless, we are all accountable.

If you haven’t worked out to this point, what these scriptures and the discussion has been working towards, "the Great Tribulation" looks to be; the destruction of the very thing we were commissioned to care for, to nurture and love, Earth.

Jehovah’s day comes as a direct result and a necessary intervention in Earths affairs, due to man’s utter miss-management. In fact, the scriptures clearly state; “if those days were not cut short, no flesh would survive. But on account of the chosen ones that day will be cut short”. If we, mankind are not removed from authority, our own future and that of earth’s boundless life, and an acceptable relationship with our God would eventually become impossible and cease, due to man’s lack of wisdom, foresight and love.

As the account at Joel 2: 1-4 stated, we have, as it were “consumed” as with “flames”, we have obliterated habitats, ozone, the weather, life, our own health, our relationship with God.

1 Habitat: If, as trees and lands were cleared, planting and a structure of management were adopted, habitats and life could still flourish. Instead of rain simply running off into rivers and oceans, silting them up, causing more destruction of life, rain would simply fall. “Have success in that for which it was sent” and EVENTUALLY make its way through the rain cycle. That’s why they were called rain forests. How much water per square meter is held in a rain forest? Similarly, what level of oxygen and carbon production has been lost per square meter from this plant life? How many insect species used to live in that one square meter? How much habitat and how many eco systems were obliterated?

If only they, and we, replanted and managed the environment.

2 Ozone: is a layer of gas that encircles the earth, like a thin bubble. In the 1970s and 1980s, scientists realised that pollutants had begun to erode this layer. It was a catastrophe; the Ozone layer prevents harmful rays from the sun overheating the Earth, by reflecting a portion of the ray’s back out into space. One thing that has puzzled me. Why have people not tried to correct this loss of gas? Man can make Ozone gas! Why not put high altitude balloons, covered in solar panels and carrying such devises to pump more gas into the holes? It may not even be possible; it may be a futile exercise.

But I have never heard the question asked. Can we fix it? Which leads us to. Even every day products are designed to break, not last. creating more need for manufacture and in turn, more greenhouse gases. there is so much that could be done, right now to effect change, but is not.

3 Weather: There has been a noticeable shift in the weather since I was a young boy, and science has pinpointed why. Partly due to the whole in the Ozone layer, partly due to loss of ice which also played a role in reflecting the sun’s rays and heat off of the Earth’s surface. But also due to so called Green House gases. These are gases formed by human activity, burning fuels that leave a layer of gas in the atmosphere that traps heat in. not only have we created holes to let more heat in, but we now have also trapped it. These descriptions may be a little crude though the result is still the same, a warming planet, rapidly melting glaciers and polar ice. Resulting in sea level rises. An increase in ocean water levels and increased temperatures in currents and water. And today the earth is experiencing weather extremes. Unseasonal and heavy weather events. 1 in 100-year floods now happen 2 or 3 times a year in some places, mud slides and extreme high tides. On the other side of the coin, drying forests ready to explode in flame, drought and starvation. All impacting, not only man, but flora and fauna earth wide. Billions of animals recently died in fires in Australia. Which soon after was flooded, and Australia’s east coast has had unseasonal rains now for 2 yrs +. Systems are in balance, if it’s raining in Australia, Africa is getting Heat waves, no rain etc. The same thing Earth wide. With this heat the remaining forests are ready to burn, while the rain causes its own devastation.

Habitats and entire species of all sorts of eco systems are in dire need of rescue. Man has admitted the weather “will get worse”.

4 Life and our relationship with God: Can man fix it? Of course not.

But we are still told, “you can have anything you can dream of; you can be and do whatever you want. Look! Where has that attitude gotten us? Marriage, to many young adults is a joke. Commitment and love in relationships, for many is optional. If the attitude toward the very thing that is meant to be a stabilising factor in life, and the model for our young to follow is irrelevant today.

How far will society slide if all things are optional and accountability is non-existent.

Isn’t it little wonder that this Great Tribulation is the trigger to the Great Day of Jehovah? Without his intervention, which has only made possible by Jesus Loyalty and faith, Revelation chapter 5.

It describes scrolls, information that would be crucial for man’s future. No-one was eligible to open it. Verse 3 explains; “But neither in heaven or on earth nor underneath the earth was anyone eligible found to open it” our future was inaccessible to us. The prophet was crying, “And I gave way to a great deal of weeping because no-one was worthy to open the scroll or look into it”. An Angel said “stop weeping” Jehovah and his firstborn son had foreseen this dilemma and, in part, that’s why Jesus went through all he did when a man on earth. He was eligible to open the scrolls, to unlock our future, he made a future for us and the earth possible. Personally! for us! A way forward for all our sins to be forgiven, so we can have the relationship with our Heavenly Father Adam lost, that we long for, though truly do not deserve.

Mankind has proven; he will not, and cannot, give the mess we have created, and currently live in, the attention required.

6 Health: in Matthews account about the Great Tribulation, He began by explaining that "Woe" would come "In those Days", associated with it. Especially in relation to babies and therefore children. (See also the blog, I would like to talk to you about you)

Yet again God's word is 100% accurate. Raising children has been especially challenging now, more than ever. What about tomorrow?

When I was young and at school. I can only recall 3 children in my age group out of about 80 children who had medical issues. 1 had epilepsy. Another, asthma and one was allergic to bees. likely there were ones undiagnosed, but they were certainly not obviously impaired.

Within a few short decades, children with all sorts of allergies and conditions are prevalent, many to an extreme. I was later diagnosed with A.D.H.D and dyslexia but many young with such conditions today, often, almost, seem uncontrollable. Surely, with this great increase in health issues, we are doing it to ourselves. For example, I was only recently told that the wheat many of us eat is still sprayed with herbicides and insecticides to increase crop yield and of course profitability.

They are fully aware of the effect of toxins, but do they stop. No! Only if forced.

The water for drinking and bathing in my area would be considered by the providers as "world standard", I’m sure. However, I have developed a fault with my liver which means my body does not process chemicals and heavy metals as it should, leading, I’m told, a failure for my body to receive the correct enzymes for cell reproduction. As a result, I have a water purification system fitted to my house, for bathing and drinking. Prior to this I could not drink the “acceptable” water provided through the taps. And bathing in it caused rashes and sores. The filters in the system are supposed to be changed every 6 – 12 months, they last only 2-3 months before they fail. The heavy metals and toxins are high.

Do they have any idea what this is doing to the children of tomorrow? To the genetic vulnerability of mothers and the unborn. I also heard of ones working in furniture retail.

They had to quit their job due to repeated chemical burns to their skin, from lounges especially. (Our pregnant mothers sit on the very same furniture). One more example; I recently purchased some collector card pouches for an alternative use. After handling these plastic sleeves, I became ill for the next 2 days. Yes, I have chemical sensitivity, but what are the chemicals that are on these and many other products doing to our children’s future health? The World is trying hard to protect, not us, but their profits from threats, insects, vermin, mould. What is all this doing to the genetic vulnerability of mothers and the unborn? The evidence is overwhelming, our health is on a rapid decline. Pollution is everywhere. The evidence is overwhelming. Our health is on a rapid decline.

Newly Added, I recently heard from the mouth of one of the glorified world leaders. "I am getting someone to look into it!" What exactly? "Not long ago, the rates of Autism in America was 1 in 10,000. Now it is 1 in 36". Or something like that, Trump said.

Now, the current time line, and trajectory of mankind is for disaster. If our young are a cause for "Woe" and our populations are only aging, who will be the workers? Who will farm the wheat? Who will make the bread? What i am saying is, that the current evidence indicates 'we' are in big trouble. We are effectively changing our D.N.A. and our ability to successfully reproduce children with normal abilities. If this decline continues, not only with those on the 'spectrum' but, If people deteriorate as I have, with Neurological Disorders, plus the great many sleep problems and other learning difficulties, and all other ailment's multiply. The normal career for most will be as carers or nurses to care for and treat those who simply cannot function to our full potential, nor contribute in a meaningful way to society.

What will happen if this decline, that we have brought upon ourselves, is left to continue? I hate to think about it!

Where Jesus said, "Those Day's", also reminds me of just a little further on, where He said, "Unless 'Those Day's' are not cut short, no flesh would survive. Is it conceivable to you that our "Woe" could very well be this future?

This section i have just discussed I added on the 21/03/2025. In other writings i have discussed Jehovah's ability to use time to His advantage. He is 'Not' restricted by time, but due to Hid allowing "Free Will" He will not prevent us from making poor choices. Such as contaminating ourselves with "Micro Plastics and Forever Chemicals" Etc. However, as in the account of "The Tower of Babel", Jehovah said, "If WE let them alone this way, nothing will be an impossibility for them". Then Jehovah, without interfering with "Free Will", "Confused their language's". Now, here is the question; If Jehovah had not intervened, would we have destroyed the Earth, far ahead of the Destruction rate of our day?

Jehovah, "Cut Those Day's short", Thus saving us from ourselves. My hope, as i alluded to before, is that, 'By cutting "Those Day's" short in our time, might mean that, as long as we learn our lessons from the destiny we have laid at our children's feet, If we turn to Him with Faith and "Tear apart our hearts" He might have mercy upon us and our children. "Those Day's" are upon us now. Are we going to allow the world leaders and the puppet masters to farm us out for profit indefinitely, at the expense of any real future along this time line? Or, will we look at the abundant evidence, reject bad, in all its forms, and repent? Self governance, apart from Jehovah's approved channel is as was told to Adam, "You Will Die". But Jehovah is life. False religion too, in all it's multitudes of forms, is opposition to God and the Kingdom in His Son's hands. We must learn all these things, or pay the price.

Jehovah God, always provides a way out for those with faith, and if our hope is based on truth and in His ability to save. Remember Nineveh? These too, like Babel, were walking their own paths, but listened to Jonah and received God's Grace and mercy. How much more so, will it be for those who love Him as well as listen?

Back to the original text

These prophesies, mentioned earlier, are likewise backed up by the words in the Book of Daniel 12; 1, where events that had never been seen before "since there came to be a nation". Events linked to the standing up of "Michael", "The Word" of God. Revelation repeatedly says he is "coming".

Once again, Daniel indicates that The second coming, Christ's return is linked to events never seen before, effecting God's people. The Great Tribulation, (our self destructive course), appears to be the trigger for "The Great Day of God The Almighty". and as was already mentioned, it will come earlier than expected, on account of "The Holy ones", the "day's being cut short".

I'm sure, in time, we will find many links and references to these outworking's of God's purpose, as fulfilled in His prophecy.

My hope

My hope is that soon, Jehovah, in his power, wisdom, justice and mercy will show us the way out.

The things impossible to men are all possible to Jehovah, through his king, Jesus Christ, by means of his powerful Holy Spirit. Jesus showed us we can have confidence, as recorded in God’s word, a cause for hope to us all. Things like; healing the sick, controlling the weather, producing food for the hungry and even raising the dead. All the while showing tender compassion for the scattered sheep and tenderly treating each one according to their own needs and ability. He showed, more than all else that he would act for his loyal friends and those not even born yet, even for you. He did this in many ways, but mostly by giving his perfect life as a ransom to buy us back from the edge of catastrophe. He also demonstrated that he can and will follow Godly principles, even at his own expense, so that the will of his father would be accomplished, to help us.

He said all things are possible with God. So, things like the weather, fixable, no problem. Sickness and genetic failings, fixable, no problem. And so on. What about The Pollution? This is a fascinating one, I have pondered over many times. Do you recall he walked on water? How is that logically and scientifically possible? Have you seen insects that can stand on water? They spread their long light legs out and use the surface tension of the water to support themselves. Being very light also, this is doable. What about lizards that walk on water? Well, they don’t seem to walk, they run, very fast, propelling themselves forward with quick touch. Again, using the water’s surface tension to support themselves and get forward momentum. But what would happen if it stood still? Or walked slowly? He or she would sink. So, how did Jesus do it?

The logical explanation is that he didn’t make himself lighter. Only being supported by his 2 small feet would not seem to do it, the surface tension of the water would not support him. If he were very light, he would likely bounce across the water like footage of men walking on the moon, maybe.

The only other possibility is if the molecular structure of the water beneath his feet were altered.

The account describes him “walking ON water”.

The water logically must have been changed into something like, liquid sand. Have we heard of God changing other things in this way? Why, yes! Recall the water being turned into fine wine. Jesus, by means of God’s spirit, would have needed to alter or replace almost entirely the molecular structure of the contents of the large jars for this miracle to happen. Another fascinating account was when a man was cutting wood, with God’s prophet nearby, Elisha. The axe head flew off into the water. It sunk and the man was distressed. The prophet threw a piece of wood into the water where it fell into the water, the axe head floated. How is that possible? The same again.

This time, altering the waters make up would not help, but changing the axe head till it was securely in hand, would. Of course, I could be totally wrong.

But the thing is. If God can do anything, then....well! The plastics floating in the ocean would be no problem at all. It could be turned into the many sea creatures that have died because of it.

Krill, crabs, shrimp, lobster, turtles etc. Even better still, concerning all the birds and creatures that are full of plastics and that are starving to death though full. It Could all, easily, be turned into food to feed them. And even the microplastics that have permeated all over the globe could become plankton or other useful things for promoting life. It all sounds like a dream, but I have faith and confidence in my Father, my God. Not based on hope alone, but on evidence, “realities though not yet beheld” Heb 11;1.

Everything can be restored

The very fact that our generation has done all this, and we are seeing it as today with our very eyes and experiencing it all around us in the weather, the loss of all kinds of life and all these many fulfilled prophecies, though very sad and disappointing, bolsters my faith. How can our hope not be fortified with expectation?

Revelation 5 clearly demonstrates that our Heavenly Fathers “hand is not short”. Jesus said at Matthew 24: 32 – 35. “Now learn from the fig tree as an illustration this point; just as soon as its young branch grows tender and it puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near. Likewise, also you, when you see all these things, know that he is near at the door. Truly I say to you that THIS generation will by no means pass away until all these things occur. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will by no means pass away".

In this instance, Heaven and Earth are not the literal ones. This means that the earth of mankind we have made, and the religious structure we have had our confidences in, will be replaced with better ones. 2 Peter 3: 13 explains the way the first century disciples, Jesus own friends understood this. “But there are NEW Heavens and a NEW Earth that we are awaiting according to his promise, and in these righteousness is to dwell”. NEW, all fixed. Not rebuilt or patched up. No! NEW! Often in the past, people translated or interpreted scripture to paint God as cruel and judgemental.

In truth he made our beautiful home, He “is Love” and yes! He does look to judge, not to punish, but to bless and show mercy wherever possible.

SALVATION

When all these and wonderful changes beyond our imagination take place, who will see it? We can!

If we are the sort of people who really would love to see the true God put on high. Hebrews 10:39.

If we would be the sort who really would appreciate seeing the sick cured. Our loved ones in the grave return, the animals helped, and the earth cared for by, “worthy custodians”. Then we can be in among the “Great Crowd, that no man was able to number, out of every tribe, nation and tongue. Standing with palm branches in their hands, crying out with joyful tears. SALVATION we owe to our God and to the Lamb.

Salvation is only due to the Living God and The Lamb, Christ Jesus.

Not something earned but a free gift!

I can almost taste it, can you? It’s like a memory, but it just hasn’t happened yet. And what a joy it will be, getting to meet many people from all over the earth. Our brothers and sisters, our mothers and fathers. Relating our own personal experiences to each other, saying; life was like this and that, but look what my God did for me! And all the while we didn’t deserve it! We didn’t earn it. On the contrary, we helped cause all this calamity, but he loved us, still!

There will be much work to do. Hopefully money will be a thing of the past. The scriptures encourage us. “With sustenance and coverings, we will be content with these things”. We will have our own homes according to his promise. “They will certainly build homes and have occupancy”. No more renting or owing for a home. “They will plant vineyards and crops, and they will do the eating”. All will be able to sustain themselves. As for grains, “on the mountains there will be an overflow”. Could you be content with these things?

What about deserts? “The deserts will blossom”. I have also pondered, if all the regions of Earth that are below sea level, on dry land, were engineered, in preparation for villages and forests and wetlands. Roads and the like built beforehand. Then the seas were opened up to them. Now, that would be a thing. We could shore up island nations and reclaim lands from the seas. We could level the vast mountain ranges, such as in Asia, and build habitable plateaus with little lakes and seed the mountains with biologically suited plant life. The birds and insects would follow and creatures of every kind. And then, well, my God could begin recreating the many species of frogs and animals and insects that are supposed to be here but are not. YES! RE-CREATING.

And here is a question. If the earth also, very slowly rotated on a second axis. Wouldn’t the whole earth experience a more consistent weather pattern? Like spring all year round? Anyway, it may not be do-able. But the reality is; God, Jehovah, has promised, ALL from every tribe, nation and tongue who would benefit from his loving provisions, will. No matter our current wealth or ability or even disability. “He (Jesus Christ, The Lamb, by means of God's Holy Spirit) will satisfy the desire of every living thing”.

So in short, the Great Tribulation, seems to me to be, us. We have utterly wrecked our world with no way out. But Jehovah foresaw all this, thousands of years ago. He, knowing we can get it right given the correct guidance and motivation. He has laid the groundwork to correct all the corruption that have been carried on or influenced by his chief enemy, Satan the Devil.

It a conundrum, Satan’s world has made huge advances is medical, scientific and technical fields.

We have a never-ending array of products, holidays and the like, but we are worse off than ever before in human history. The planet is slowly dying, and we are struggling with life more than ever. Depression anxiety and other mental issues are prevalent. Loneliness in epidemic proportions, despite being more connected to our neighbours and the world than ever before. We are isolated in a world full of people. For many finding a trustworthy mate is impossible and finding true friends seems hard also.

The "Day's of Distress or Great Tribulation" are evident all around. We are in a life extinction event, right now. Species are disappearing faster than normal.

Man's impact on life is evident and irreversible. Why, even the rates of Autism in our young for example are far higher. They say Autism awareness is a factor. Also, however are pollution, anxiety and low birth weight are other factors. The evidence that we are on a downward track is very evident.

If "those days are not cut short, no flesh would survive". Thankfully our God and Father is well aware of this plight we face, and promises "Peace and Security".

These are just a few of Jehovah's promises.

Recall, “Jehovah did not form the Earth simply for nothing, but even to be inhabited”, “to time indefinite”. Satan at present “has been cast down to the vicinity of the Earth”. Has Jehovah created the universe “simply for nothing”? Billions of Galaxies, Solar systems, planets? Could these mean other worlds are awaiting “Righteous custodians”?

WHAT CAN WE DO?

What can we do personally? Demonstrate, by your faith, prayer and actions, your hope is not in this system of things, soon to disappear, but in the living God, his promises and his Son, our King, the lord Jesus Christ. Who I believe, according to scripture, was given a new name when he returned to Heaven, I wonder what it is?

Jehovah “will bring to ruin those ruining the earth”. But by our decisions, our attitude and actions, we can say to our God. Not me! Put our rubbish in the bin, recycle correctly and reuse when possible. Turn off unneeded electrical items, pick up plastics in the street and on our beaches. Show him we want things to change, and we are not the sort who doesn’t care about life on earth, and more importantly, his feelings. In this way we will be setting a good example to others and saying to Jehovah, “here I am, send me”. A willing servant and loyal friend.

How many will be with us? A great crowd, no man is ABLE to number, Rev 5 and Rev also say’s, “anyone who wants to can drink life’s water free”. An almost limitless number. It’s like Jehovah is preparing a marriage feast, all are invited. The hall is booked, food and drink for all and gifts of life and love for all in attendance. Ones also at the door begging, “come in, join us”. But as in the case when Noah invited many, none accepted. This time a great crowed will accept, he hopes you are one.

This is the reason I sign off each post with, man in expectation :), I am so looking forward to the wonderful things, not too far ahead, are you? May you find favour with the true God and prove to be one who, with joyful cries will be standing in a renewed Earth with a clear conscience and a certain hope for the future. All credit and devotion to the name in everyone’s heart and on their lips, JEHOVAH.

May every day be better for you than today, and thankyou for your time, man in expectation :)

The mash-up! "You must love Jehovah your God, with your whole Heart, Mind, Soul and Strength and keep His Commandments. If you do, you will be wise enough to bypass any trial with ease, and have an indefinitely lasting name with The Living One. Those who fail to take these things to heart, will suffer shame and fall short in a large way, all that is his, will be destroyed and cease to exist.

You who love Him, however, will flourish with joy, under the tent cloths of Jehovah, always." Ecc 12:13, Mark 12:30 and Ps 37:18-20.